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With cyberattacks skyrocketing at an alarming rate, healthcare organizations are scrambling to implement effective measures to prevent these threats. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, over the past four years, healthcare data breaches have increased by 239% and ransomware attacks increased by 278%. IBM’s 2023 Cost of Data Breach Study revealed that in 2023 alone, over 88 million individuals were affected by security breaches, underscoring the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures.

Despite the clear and present danger, the healthcare industry continues to struggle with implementing effective cybersecurity practices. Whether it was the Tricare data breach in 2011, Shields Healthcare in 2022 or most recently with United Healthcare, these high-profile attacks have caused significant disruption, financial deficits and loss of patients’ trust whose personal information was accessed. Healthcare is a critical part of everyday life, so why have organizations been slow to adopt better solutions?

The answer may seem simple, but it is quite complex. Healthcare is a highly regulated industry with slim operating margins. The cost of just one breach is nearly $11 million according to IBM’s 2023 Cost of A Data Breach Study. Thus, organizations are taking a methodical approach to implementing security frameworks by establishing a dedicated Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), internal team and consulting partner as a foundational layer. From there, fundamental cybersecurity practices like vigilant patch management, mitigation of software supply chain risks, deployment of antivirus solutions, and ongoing employee training are built into the framework.

Key steps for healthcare enterprise security

Even with a dedicated security team and framework in place, healthcare organizations face challenges due to stringent regulatory compliance guidelines, the sensitive nature of patient data, a complex, interdependent ecosystem of providers, cloud and AI technology adoption and more. There are five imperatives that organizations can take to reduce the risk of a cyberattack.

1. Locking down the cloud

With more data being stored off-premise, it is essential that healthcare IT teams follow regulatory requirements in creating a security control framework that outlines how data is sent to the cloud, the encryption format and who has access to it. While cloud service providers may provide security measures for keeping data secure, integrating further controls is essential. This can be done through automating security in Dev SecOps or control for multi-cloud scenarios in case of a failure or attack. Physical security at the data center location is equally important as HCA Healthcare discovered. In 2023 a theft at an external storage location leaked over 11 million records containing patient contact information and upcoming appointment dates.

Organizations must prioritize the formulation of comprehensive data retention strategies and contingency plans. It is vital to conduct comprehensive security reviews of the architecture of their cloud-deployed and publicly exposed applications. Resilient cloud-based solutions tailored to combat ransomware attacks swiftly and facilitate the swift restoration of normal operations safeguard both operations and the interests of patients.

2. Eliminating unpatched device risk

A healthcare system consists of multiple devices from laptops to MRIs to patient monitors. An IT team is responsible for protecting each of these endpoints as well as the various software programs of electronic medical records and insurance payment systems. This equates to thousands, if not millions, of points of entries an attacker could target. Updating legacy systems and pinpointing un-patched aging vulnerabilities must be one of the first steps. Teams can create a close ended governance program for finding and fixing these areas, prioritized by level of risk.

When security practices and programs are not updated, this results in disastrous ransomware attacks as seen earlier in 2024 with Change Healthcare. According to testimony before Congress, the attack – which leaked thousands of patient records – was due to the lack of multifactor authentication (MFA) on particular servers, a vulnerability that could have been detected.

3. Stopping malicious inside threats

Implementing enhanced security operations that are based on the principles of zero trust such as segmentation, identity and behavior will prevent threats coming from inside the network.

It also proactively stops any threats that have breached the initial edge of defenses. These threats can also come in the form of partnerships with third-party vendors. The Department of Health and Human Services Health Sector Cybersecurity Coordination Center has alerted organizations about a vulnerability in the file transfer program MOVEit. Russian cyberattackers targeted this platform in 2023 where millions of records were exposed. CISOs must ensure each vendor has passed HIPAA audits and earned the HITRUST certification before implementing any services.

4. Ensuring regulatory compliance

There are several regulations and compliance points that a healthcare organization must follow regarding patient data. With each country having different regulations, it is a challenge to keep abreast of it all. Additionally, as new devices, software or digital transformation projects occur, these will introduce a new set of risks. Working with a healthcare consulting partner who can monitor for risks and regulatory changes can help to keep the security framework tight.

For instance, Kaiser Permanente announced a data breach in April 2024 that impacted over 13 million Americans. While not considered a typical breach, patient data was shared with third-party advertisers due to an incorrect tracking code that tracked website use and navigation. Consulting partners can help CISOs better monitor and audit IT systems can help to uncover these issues.

5. Adopting new technologies

GenAI is the newest technology that every organization is scrambling to incorporate into their technology stack. Previously, companies took their time in the adoption of new technologies, but GenAI’s popularity is driving faster implementations without full consideration.

In healthcare, AI usage is both a risk and a benefit. On the plus side, it enhances the cybersecurity framework, proactively monitoring and flagging issues. Repetitive tasks can be automated, freeing up the CISO and security team to handle other tasks to strengthen the cybersecurity framework. However, it must be said that AI also brings risk to an organization. Hackers use AI to refine phishing scams, generate more sophisticated attacks and create deep fake threats. When selecting GenAI solutions, it is best to choose those that monitor quality and trust as well as being built specifically for the healthcare industry.

Additionally, if an employee uses AI tools that are not approved by the security team, it opens the organization up to further risk. This shadow IT problem – usually coupled with poor employee adherence to IT governance control – layers in another threat surface that CISOs and team find difficult to pinpoint. CISOs must create a culture of security amongst all employees. Those organizations that invest in comprehensive security training platforms are seeing significant value as employees become the first line of defense.

How one organization prevented threats

In the case of a leading oncology treatment technology provider, this company implemented a cybersecurity framework using these key steps to thwart attacks. This organization required that various radiation clinics use their proprietary system. Rather than sending staff to each location, the provider utilized a cloud-based solution to protect against vulnerabilities throughout the software’s lifecycle. Using insights from threat-modeling and prior cyber risk assessments, the team understood where it is needed to build a stronger security infrastructure.

The provider worked with partners to architect and build a centralized treatment planning solution which incorporated a robust security testing framework including static tests and assessments of third-party libraries. The data analytics determined how to assign severity threat levels and vulnerability mitigation paths. As a result, the oncology technology provider has mitigated over 100 security vulnerabilities, scanned 1.5 million lines of code and detected – and rebuffed – over 250 cybersecurity threats. The implementation of the security framework consisting of the five key elements successfully secured this infrastructure.

Safety in the connected world

Technology has transformed healthcare. Gone are the days of paper records and notes. Everything is online, automated and, unfortunately, vulnerable to security risks. When healthcare CISOs, teams and consulting partners work together, a tighter security framework is put in place that decreases the overall cybersecurity risk. By taking these key steps, healthcare organizations can minimize attack surfaces. The result: A healthcare organization that can provide patients with the right treatment in a timely manner without hiccups or shutdowns.

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This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

If you’ve recently upgraded your Mac to the freshly released macOS 15, you might have run into issues while attempting to use USB devices.

If so, apparently you’re not alone – other Mac users are facing the same kinds of problems when connecting USB devices.

Apple Insider notes that a number of users are experiencing drive connectivity issues, and when plugging in USB sticks or chargers into the Mac’s ports, the system isn’t detecting these devices right away. Sometimes they’re taking a considerable time to connect, and sometimes macOS 15 isn’t finding them at all, worryingly.

As you may recall, macOS Sequoia was released earlier this month, on September 16, and of course it’s not a surprise that when a major release of an operating system comes along, there are teething problems. This appears to be one of them, at least going by multiple reports on the likes of Reddit and Apple’s support forum, and there are other issues besides as highlighted in our roundup of common problems with macOS 15. 

(Image credit: Apple) Where things stand and what you can do next

Apple Insider further observes that the USB-related bug is occurring on different Mac models, including the MacBook Air and iMac, and on devices equipped with different processors, including M1, M2, and M3 Apple chips. 

That said, the tech site also notes that it wasn’t able to reproduce the problem on any of its devices, and that the malfunctioning USB issue doesn’t look to be that widespread - though certainly some of those upgrading to macOS 15 are affected, going by the mentioned reports.

Thus far, Apple hasn’t made any comment on the matter, and we’re still waiting to see if the company will respond to these reports.

If you’ve been affected by misbehaving USB devices with macOS Sequoia, your best bet is to reach out to Apple support, describe what you’re experiencing, and, hopefully, Apple will acknowledge you, and maybe even prepare a fix in a future macOS 15 update. 

The more reports (especially with evidence like screenshots) that Apple receives about a specific problem, the more likely it is to respond and deploy a fix.

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The Apple Vision Pro 2 is set to enter mass production in 2025 despite news development would stop. Apple’s AR headset, the Vision Pro, received a lackluster reception from customers as it struggled to move even 100,000 units by July 2024. Apple plans to add new features to the device’s sequel that could help to drive up its popularity. One such feature is a brand-new M5 chipset, which is expected to improve the headset’s performance.

The move to continue with headset production contradicts earlier rumors of a production halt due to low demand for the original Vision Pro. TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes mass production of the new M5 chipset-fitted AR headset will begin in H2 2025. Apple aims to make the Vision Pro 2 more affordable, which may appeal more to customers.

Kuo also predicts that there will be minimal changes, if any, to the AR headset’s design, meaning production costs will be reduced. This would be a smart move on Apple’s part, as the Vision Pro’s design, with its innovative augmented reality display EyeSight, and its modern futuristic high-end aesthetic is still fresh and appealing.

New chip, new me

According to Kuo, the M5 chipset will improve the Apple Intelligence experience. Due to the projected launch date of the Apple Vision Pro 2, it’s looking like the M5 chipset will use Apple chip manufacturer TSMC’s N3P node, although none of this is set in stone.

In a move to keep further production costs down, Apple will not be using its more advanced 2nm chipsets. The company was expected to use it to manufacture next-gen iPhone chips like the A19 and A19 Pro, but it seems these will also stick with Apple’s N3P node (3 nm). While it may not be as young and advanced as the 2nm chipsets, the 3nm is still efficient and powerful.

Many credit the eye-watering cost of the Apple Vision Pro, starting at $3,500 (£2,800, AU$5,300) as one of the reasons why it failed to drive up more sales. Other reasons given are a perceived lack of content for the device, and issues with comfort, wearability, and the intuitiveness of the device’s gesture-based control.

There is still a lot we don’t know about the specs of the Apple Vision Pro 2, but if Apple can deliver the more affordable headset with the proposed M5 chipset it may spell a win for the tech giant.

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The recent declaration by Amazon CEO Andy Jassy that all employees must return to full-time in-person working does not appear to have been receivied warmly, as a poll of over 2,500 company staff members revealed 91% were unhappy with the decision, and a staggering 73% are considering moving jobs because of it.

The poll, carried out by Blind, an online forum of verified tech workers, also found over two-thirds (68%) of Amazon employees said they knew someone who has already quit their position because of the policy.

Other unconfirmed reports on Blind's website claimed potential candidates for roles at Amazon have ‘dropped out of the pipeline’ in light of the decision.

A risky move

“RTO blanket policy is crazy, particularly for those of us who were hired remote and FAR from an office. I have kids and family here so unwilling to relocate,” one staffer commented.

“Even if I didn't, there's too great a risk I’d be laid off in 6 months anyway so why risk a move?”

As it stands, most Amazon employees currently enjoy hybrid working, with three office days per week. The Return-to-office (RTO) order is a blanket instruction, with exceptions only for ‘extenuating circumstances’, such as child illness.

Corporate workers at the company staged a walk-out in 2023 after the decision was made to enforce an in-person three day per week rule, with over 20,000 workers signing a petition urging the organization to reconsider.

Many believe that Amazon is just the first, and that other firms will soon follow suit. Already, more than half of us are back to in-office work at least four times per week, surveys suggest, but this may have more to do with the cost-of-living crisis than a desire to be in-office.

Remote work is not just popular, it boosts productivity, studies show. Workers report being 60% less likely to quit, and 67% more likely to put in more effort if they can work from home - the good will goes a long way.

Via The Register

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Fall (or spring for southern hemisphere dwellers) is officially here, and it seems Prime Video and Max have gone into hibernation mode.

Indeed, two of the world's best streaming services, who frequently appear in these types of articles, have nothing new to offer you this week. So, it's up to many of their competitors to pick up the slack on the new movies and TV shows front. They've done just that, too, with a myriad of terrific looking series and films, plus a billion-dollar-spinning animated flick, ready for you to feast your eyes on. Without further ado, then, get the lowdown on the week's best streaming suggestions. 

Inside Out 2 (Disney Plus)

Inside Out is one of the best Pixar movies of all-time, so I didn't need a second invitation to check out its sequel when it arrived in theaters in June – and boy, it did not disappoint. Pixar's latest big-budget animated flick, which reunites us with a now-teenaged Riley (plus old and new emotions alike), is nothing short of brilliant, with Inside Out 2's emotionally charged narrative and expectedly gorgeous visuals providing high-value entertainment and an incredibly relatable story in equal measure.

A wonderful return to form for the under-pressure studio, you can expect to see Inside Out 2, which debuted on Disney Plus this Wednesday (September 25), feels like a shoo-in for our best Disney Plus movies list. Although, given the recent allegations made by former Pixar employees about working conditions at the Disney subsidiary, I'm sure there'll be some anger, sadness, and anxiety over its inclusion.

Tom Power, senior entertainment reporter

• Watch Inside Out 2 on Disney Plus

Wolfs (Apple TV Plus)

Wolfs has been one of my most-anticipated Apple Movie Originals since I first saw George Clooney and Brad Pitt reunite in the hitman buddy comedy movie's trailer in May. I haven't seen them together since Burn After Reading was released in 2008, which is a shame because the pair have charming on-screen chemistry – I'd recommend also watching them in the Ocean's Eleven trilogy, which is a fantastic series of heist films (take my advice and skip Ocean's 8).  

In Wolfs, Clooney and Pitt play professional fixers who are forced to team up on a job, which leads to a spiralling series of events that make for an unexpected evening. The movie released in theaters last week, but it's already available to stream on Apple TV Plus, too. It currently has 72% on Rotten Tomatoes, so it's unlikely to land a place on our best Apple TV Plus movies guide, but that could change as more reviews come in.

Amelia Schwanke, senior entertainment editor

• Watch Wolfs on Apple TV Plus

Will and Harper (Netflix)

The day this trailer arrived, I openly admitted to crying over it and I'm so happy to see it's now available to stream on Netflix as it has the potential to be one of the best Netflix movies. The heartfelt documentary follows comedian Will Ferrell, known for numerous roles such as Ron Burgundy in Anchorman and Deangelo Vickers in The Office, as he reunites with his old friend and colleague Harper Steele – whom Ferrell worked with on Saturday Night Live – after receiving an email where Harper came out as a transgender woman.

This prompted Ferrell to suggest a road trip so the two could reconnect, and he could learn more about the trans community. The trip lasted for 17 days and took them all across the United States, giving viewers an intimate look at their friendship and what they learned along the way. Yes, you'll definitely need tissues for this one!

Lucy Buglass, senior entertainment writer

• Watch Will and Harper on Netflix

Mr. McMahon (Netflix)

Mr. McMahon is a Netflix documentary series that follows the rise and fall of Vince McMahon, controversial businessman and co-founder of WWE. The series delves into WWE's transformation from a small business to the world's largest wrestling promotion under McMahon's leadership and the sexual misconduct allegations that led to his resignation.

I spent hours watching WWE with my older brother when I was younger, but I had no idea about this extremely shocking legacy that was left behind on the global entertainment business. With Tiger King director Chris Smith on board, I know it's going to be a revealing docuseries that exposes McMahon's true persona that he hid under a façade. Don't be surprised if makes it onto our best Netflix documentaries or best Netflix shows lists.

Grace Morris, entertainment writer

• Watch Mr. McMahon on Netflix

Grotesquerie (Hulu/Disney Plus)

Ryan Murphy has been busy. Since being a showrunner on the musical comedy series Glee and the drama epic Pose, he's turned his hand to horror with American Horror Story and now Grotesquerie. The new Hulu horror series looks like a quintessential Murphy production, blending horror, true crime, and… Travis Kelce, which we weren't expecting.

If you're wondering how to watch Grotesquerie, then you can head over to Hulu (US) or Disney Plus (internationally). The gruesome show is set to air its final episode on October 30, making it a perfect watch for spooky season, too. So, if you'd rather skip the controversial Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story that's become Netflix's #1 show for a true crime drama series that will send shivers down your spine, then this looks like just the ticket. Don't be surprised if its secures a spot on our best Hulu shows list, either.

Amelia Schwanke, senior entertainment editor

• Watch Grotesquerie on Hulu  or Disney Plus

Nobody Wants This (Netflix)

In the Netflix rom-com Nobody Wants This, Kristen Bell stars as Joanne, an irreverent and agnostic podcaster who falls in love with rogue rabbi Noah (Adam Brody). But, can their unlikely relationship survive their extremely different lives and interfering families?

One thing's for sure: I most definitely want this after seeing the rom-com flops Netflix has been producing recently, including A Family Affair and Find Me Falling. Nobody Wants This has promise to become one of the best Netflix shows with its cast and modern plot of two grown-ups being challenged by each other and attracted to one another. They both know what they want, but is it each other? We'll find out soon enough.

Grace Morris, entertainment writer

• Watch Nobody Wants This on Netflix

Apartment 7A (Paramount Plus)

As the newest entry into the Rosemary's Baby franchise (which is a thing now), Apartment 7A is must-see for horror fans as we head into the spookiest season of all. Serving as a prequel to the original 1968 movie, it explores what happened in New York City's Bramford apartment complex before Mia Farrow's Rosemary Woodhouse moved in. 

Will it not only make it onto our best horror movies list, but also our best Paramount Plus movies guide? Well, it's produced by A Quiet Place's John Kransinski and stars Ozark's Julia Garner as protagonist, Terry Gionoffrio, who is the latest resident, so there's certainly some star power attached to it. Only time will tell if it's as terrifying as it looks, though.

Lucy Buglass, senior entertainment writer

• Watch Apartment 7A on Paramount Plus

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Let’s face it: patching is the cybersecurity equivalent of flossing. Everyone knows they should do it, but far too many skimp on this critical task. Despite the well-known dangers of unpatched software and rising zero-day threats, patching remains a glaring problem in the enterprise.

Recent research finds that just over half of Macs in the workplace remain unprotected by security updates. Worse, in some cases, vulnerabilities dating back five years are still being exploited due to the sorry state of patching.

None of this is a surprise to IT. They’re fully aware of the risks, the roadblocks, and what it takes to patch properly. Yet many are still fumbling with “but-but-but” excuses around compatibility issues and time crunches. Going forward, especially amidst increased cyber threats and remote work, this isn’t good enough.

Wake up, IT leaders. With the right management approach, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be patching like your company’s life depends on it – because, frankly, it does.

More vulnerabilities, more patches

Hackers are more active following the pandemic and show no signs of slowing. The number of threats registered by the public system for known information-security vulnerabilities, Common Vulnerabilities and Exposure (CVE), is expected to grow 25% this year. This equates to roughly 2,900 new vulnerabilities every month.

Concerningly, IT is often letting these threats come and go without action. About 45% of the CVEs reported last year remain unpatched, a big concern considering that such exploitable vulnerabilities are responsible for almost two-thirds of all data breaches. Of course, such breaches lead to a host of issues, including data loss, compliance complications, reputational damage, and lost productivity to name but a few.

The frustrating part is that IT has the tools to protect itself. For example, major tech corporations have become increasingly adept at acknowledging the existence of zero-day threats while simultaneously releasing fixes. Apple, Google, and Microsoft have consistently demonstrated this approach throughout 2024, releasing patches within days or even hours of discovering critical vulnerabilities. This proactive stance immediately transforms novel threats into known vulnerabilities with clear steps for remediation.

Therefore, IT does have the agency to fight back in this evermore dangerous climate. So, what’s the hold-up?

The patch problem for IT

Patching proves easier said than done due to three main factors. First, most leaders (70%) find it time-consuming. This is because there are various endpoints and each requires a watchful eye for respective updates. Then, applying patches can result in compatibility issues and end-user disruptions.

For example, most managers are afraid that applying security patches right after release could “break stuff.” This degree of difficulty is amped up if the company is running older software or hardware (which is sensitive to updates). Again, solving these problems takes valuable time.

Second, enterprise ecosystems are bigger than ever and only expanding in the age of bring-your-own-device and shadow IT. Testing and ensuring that patches are secure across this attack surface is a feat in and of itself. Further, if there are issues with the patch, rolling them back in a complex environment is essential.

Third, hacks and fixes are coming online at a rapid rate. Keeping up with every single patch can be overwhelming. Therefore, it’s up to IT to understand their patch priorities and move swiftly to close the most important security gaps for their business.

Getting patch management right

Yes, time and complexity present patch problems, but smart deployment and a unified approach offer patch solutions.

Good patch management starts with a wider vulnerability management program, ensuring that IT understands its assets and specific vulnerabilities. Then, set a strategy for implementing patches by establishing alerts and monitoring the big players for new releases. In the case of Apple, the company hosts a dedicated page with novel threats and security information.

Next, constantly check for holes. For example, tools like unified endpoint management can help achieve regular device audits, patch testing, and rollback plans. Likewise, centralized platforms like this can schedule auto-updates during non-business hours to patch with as little disruption as possible.

Finally, armed with a thorough understanding of the ecosystem, prioritize the patches of business importance. If there’s a zero-day patch for an operating system that’s fundamental to your day-to-day operations, implement this before fixing a software flaw that only impacts a smaller share of users. This streamlines patching and offers extra runway to ensure compatibility before deployment.

No patching ifs or buts

Patching isn’t easy but it also isn’t optional. Hackers bank on your team leaving the backdoor open. It’s up to you to take patching seriously and stop them.

In need of further convincing? This isn’t just about security. Done right, patch management can also deliver performance benefits, compliance assurances, and less business downtime.

The pros far outweigh the cons when it comes to patching in this cybersecurity climate. Ultimately, those who don’t act will only have themselves to blame if an unpatched threat becomes a larger (and more expensive) headache down the road. A little digital flossing goes a long way.

We've featured the best IT management tool.

This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

HPE has revealed Aruba Access Points (APs), the company’s high-performance Wi-Fi devices, could have been vulnerable to a threat granting threat actors the ability to execute malicious code remotely.

The company confirmed the news in a security advisory, noting APs carried three critical vulnerabilities in the Command Line Interface (CLI) service: CVE:2024-42505, CVE-2024-42506, and CVE-2024-42507. By sending specially crafted packets to UDP port 8211 of the AP management protocol, PAPI, the crooks could elevate their privileges and thus gain the ability to execute arbitrary code.

APs running Instant AOS-8 and AOS-10 are all affected by these flaws, which includes AOS-10.6.x.x: 10.6.0.2 and below, AOS-10.4.x.x: 10.4.1.3 and below, Instant AOS-8.12.x.x: 8.12.0.1 and below, and Instant AOS-8.10.x.x: 8.10.0.13 and below.

Patches and workarounds

A patch is already available for download, and given the severity of the flaws in question, HPE (Aruba’s parent company) urges users to apply it without hesitation. Those unable to install the patch on Instant AOS-8.x should enable “cluster-security”, while those with AOS-10 endpoints should block access to port UDP/8211 from all untrusted networks.

Other Aruba products, such as Networking Mobility Conductors, Mobility Controllers, and SD-WAN Gateways, were confirmed safe. The good news is that there is no evidence of in-the-wild exploits, and no one has yet shared a Proof-of-Concept (PoC).

Aruba Access Points are wireless networking devices designed to provide high-performance, secure, and reliable Wi-Fi coverage in various environments, such as offices, campuses, and public spaces. They are part of Aruba's broader networking solutions, which focus on simplifying network management while ensuring strong connectivity for users and IoT devices.

Via BleepingComputer

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Cloudflare has introduced a new feature designed to dramatically reduce web page load times by anticipating user behavior and fetching content before navigation even occurs.

The new Speed Brain feature, which is hoped to deliver near-instantaneous page loading, uses the emerging Speculation rules API, which allows browsers to download the next likely page in advance based on user actions.

This involves following where a user hovers or clicks their cursor to anticipate the next step and pre-download static content.

Cloudflare will predict how you navigate the web

Initial tests have already shown promising results, with up to a 75% reduction in Largest Contentful Pain (LCP) – a key metric used to measure how fast a web page’s largest visible emelemtn loads.

Speed Brain gets its power from Cloudflare’s network, which spans 330 cities worldwide. This widespread and fast infrastructure allows it to deliver the content quickly.

The functionality is now available for all Cloudflare plan types, including free plans, where it will be enabled by default. Business and enterprise customers will also have access, but they’ll need to activate it manually.

From launch, Speed Brain is supported by Chromium-based browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, however the company promises to be working with partners to expand support across other browsers, too.

To coincide with Speed Brain’s launch, the California-based company also recommends enabling Real User Measurements (RUM) to track performance gains and optimize pre-fetching rules.

Moreover, while the feature is primarily focused on static content for now, it offers an insight into how Cloudflare and other companies are dedicated to speeding up other areas of browsing in the future.

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Earlier this week, reports emerged of Garmin’s new flagship watch, the Garmin Fenix 8, crashing in cold water conditions.

At the time, we had just published our Garmin Fenix 8 review, which stated that while we hadn’t yet tested the dive functionality (and were planning to hand it to a recreational diver for this purpose), the watch was otherwise “rugged, expensive perfection,” one of the best Garmin watches ever, and worthy of five stars.

This was before a reader emailed me (with the subject line “Garmin Fenix 8: zero stars”) to inform me of the issue.

They also provided links to several different Reddit threads and forum posts featuring multiple users complaining about the issue. The Garmin Fenix 8, with its leakproof buttons and dive watch capabilities, reportedly crashed when submerged in liquid with a temperature below 8°C. According to the owner’s manual, the watch is able to operate in water up to 0°C.

I was a little skeptical, but I opted to test my Fenix 8 review unit very unscientifically under the conditions I had available: an ice-cold glass of water straight from the TechRadar office’s water cooler and my colleague’s generously donated Garmin Fenix 7S as a comparison test.

First, I started the Apnea Dive workout profile on the Fenix 8 and then submerged the device in cold water for 10 seconds, timed on my phone. That was all it needed: unfortunately, the watch bricked before it even came out of the water.

I was able to revive it again with a press of the On button, so it didn’t appear to have suffered any permanent damage. It immediately buzzed away with notifications again.

On the other hand, a dunk of the Fenix 7S for the same amount of time did nothing to impair it; as far as we could tell, the watch came out unscathed.

(Image credit: Future)

Undeterred, I tried again: I refilled the water from the same tank at the same temperature and submerged the Fenix 7S first, this time, followed by the Fenix 8, in case the water had warmed during that first submersion. Again, almost the same result: the Fenix 7S was unharmed, and the Fenix 8 shut down. This time, it made its way all the way out of the glass before crashing.

The watch restarted once again without issue. However, any attempt to swim or dive in cold water will likely cause the watch (at least, my review unit and those tested by the forum posters) to shut down, stopping the watch from tracking your dive or other activity.

(Image credit: Future) Don't panic, divers: A fix may be imminent

Following the story's publication and reaching out to Garmin for comment, it’s been brought to my attention that a fix is imminent.

A post on the Garmin forums reads: “Our engineers have identified a potential concern, that may cause the watch to shut down when submerged in water. They have released the latest BETA software update version 11.81, that includes a fix for this. So if you are experiencing this concern, you may consider installing this update.”

A link to the Beta update is available here. However, this doesn't immediately solve the issue, rather it just temporarily disables the ECG/Dive functionalities.

The update post states, "the ECG and Dive features will be made available again on versions of beta software that we anticipate becoming Live updates. In other words, you will see the ECG/Dive features become enabled again in Beta software toward the end of our quarterly beta cycles. The ECG feature and Dive features will remain available with Live software updates (on compatible watches)."

So it appears Garmin is working on a solution and that it's a software issue rather than a hardware one.

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Healthcare organizations continue to be attractive targets for ransomware criminals, and these attacks are not only becoming more frequent, but also more expensive, with the average costing $2.57 million to recover from - a rise from $2.2 million the previous year, new research has claimed.

A report from Sophos found over two-thirds (67%) said they had been victims of a ransomware attack in 2024, up from 60% in 2023.

The complexity and sophistication of attacks is growing too, as 80% of organizations took over a week to recover, considerably more than the 46% reported in 2022.

Vulnerable targets

The healthcare industry has long been a lucrative target for cybercriminals, since organizations tend to hold highly sensitive information and need constant access to ensure patient safety.

Attackers primarily used exploited vulnerabilities and compromised credentials to gain access to the organizations, accounting for 34% of instances each. Criminals didn’t just go after the data, in 95% of attacks, hackers also went after organizations' backup. Understandably so, since a compromised backup means the ransom is twice as likely to be paid.

“Unfortunately, cybercriminals have learned that few healthcare organizations are prepared to respond to these attacks, demonstrated by increasingly longer recovery times.” said Chief Technical Officer at Sophos, John Shier.

“These attacks can have immense ripple effects, as we’ve seen this year with major ransomware attacks impacting the healthcare industry and impacting patient care”

Without huge cybersecurity budgets and often with outdated IT systems, healthcare institutions are exposed. Research suggested as much as 50% of IT systems would fall under the ‘legacy’ category, leaving them open to vulnerabilities.

With cybercriminals becoming more successful and more destructive, Shier calls for a more proactive, ‘human-led’ approach to threat detection, calling for continuous monitoring to stay ahead of cybercriminals.

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The Xbox September update is here and it brings a range of new features and changes to the Xbox experience on PC, mobile, and console.

The most significant new addition is the ability to pre-download a game’s upcoming updates on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Xbox One. This means that you won’t need to sit through a lengthy download on update release day and can instead jump right into the action.

This could be an absolute game changer, especially for live-service games that frequently receive lots of new content. Unfortunately, the feature is only supported in a few select titles right now. The latest Xbox Wire blog post lists Sea of Thieves, Minecraft, and Cassette Beasts among them, but says to "expect many more titles to support it soon".

If you want to check out this feature, you can do so by making sure that your Xbox is up to date and then heading to the ‘My Games & Apps’ window. From there, hit ‘Manage’ and ‘Updates’. This will give you an overview of all the updates for your library that are available to download in advance. 

Changes are also coming to the wishlist system, which will now alert you when a game that you want is released, added to Xbox Game Pass, or can be tried for free during a Free Play Day promotion. If you're not a fan of this change, note that you can disable these notifications in your notification settings.

The mobile Xbox app is also getting an overhaul. Features from the separate Xbox Game Pass app are being integrated, with that application becoming unavailable to download from November. This means that the Xbox app will finally let you manage your Xbox Game Pass membership, plus browse the Xbox Game Pass catalog all in one place.

Finally, Game Bar Compact Mode is now rolling out for PC players. This mode is optimized specifically for smaller displays and handhelds, which is great news if you own something like the Asus Rog Ally X. 

Some enhanced game management features are also coming to the Xbox app on PC. This includes the ability to easily view and install add-ons, plus some UI changes that make it easier to keep track of everything that is installed. Given how absolutely dire the Xbox app is on the platform, small improvements like this can only be a good thing.

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Sending off quick replies in Gmail is set to get a lot smarter, thanks to a new integration with Google's Gemini AI platform.

The email provider has announced its Smart Replies, which provide users with a selection of pre-written responses that can be quickly selected and sent, will now be powered by Gemini.

The AI tool will be able to pull in information from your inbox, as well as other Google Workspace apps, to offer a fuller, more informative reply, saving users time and stress looking up vital details or data.

Smart replies get smarter in Gmail

(Image credit: Google Workspace)

In a Google Workspace Updates blog post announcing the update, Google notes users often need to respond to an email with more detail, especially if it is a professional or business message.

Gemini will now, "offer more detailed responses to fully capture the intent of your message," the company says, with the tool saving time and making inbox management easier, especially on a mobile device or when on the go.

After selecting to reply to a message, users will see severral response options at the bottom of their screen, which now analyse the full content of the email thread to provide more detailed, richer responses.

Users can hover over each response to get a quick preview of the text, then select the one that feels right for the situation. You will be able to edit the pre-written message if needed, or send immediately.

Anyone wishing to use the feature will need to ensure “Smart features and personalization” is enabled in Gmail, and have a Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education, Education Premium account, or be signed up to Google One AI Premium.

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All this buzz around a possible Ted Lasso season 4 renewal has got me excited, but while I wait for the Apple TV Plus hit to return, the streaming giant has come to the rescue with another season of one of my favorite comedy series Shrinking. One of the best Apple TV Plus shows Shrinking is another TV creation written by Ted Lasso co-creators Bill Lawrence and Brett Goldstein, along with the show's leading star Jason Segel. 

Segel's grieving rule-breaking therapist Jimmy and his grumpy emotional confidant Dr. Paul Rhoades (Harrison Ford) are back in therapy in the Shrinking season 2 trailer (see below) as they try to help their patients deal with love and loss, all while attempting to navigate emotional challenges in their own personal lives.

In the trailer, Jimmy's daughter Alice (Lukita Maxwell) is concerned about her dad's mental health following the death of his wife and Jimmy's playful flirting with colleague Gaby (Jessica Williams) continues to spill into the workplace. Meanwhile, Jimmy's unconventional techniques seem to have landed his patient Grace (Heidi Gardner) in prison for murder. We also get a glimpse at Goldstein's new character following his star turn as Roy Kent in Ted Lasso. To top it off, Ford's hilarious one-liners are exactly what the doctor ordered and make this the best part of the trailer.

What can we expect in Shrinking season 2?

Shrinking season 2 premieres on one of the best streaming services on October 16 and will continue to follow the journey of Jimmy as he tries to mend the relationship with his daughter Alice while trying to cope with the immense grief of losing his wife. Meanwhile, Dr. Paul Rhoades is facing hardships of his own as he comes to terms with his Parkinson's diagnosis and what this means for the future of his practice in the thick of his blossoming romance with his neurologist, Dr. Julie Baram (Wendie Malick).

The hit therapist dramedy balances serious topics of grief, PTSD, mental health, and addiction with genuine laugh-out-loud moments. Much like Ted Lasso, the stand-out characters bring their own quirky personality to the show and handle real sadness with a lot of humor and heart. 

Returning for season 2 are Michael Urie, Luke Tennie, Christa Miller, and Ted McGinley. Goldstein joins the cast as a significant figure from Jimmy's past, while Damon Wayans Jr looks like he may become Gaby's new love interest according to the trailer.

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Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 will be introduced at CES 2025, we’ve again been told – alongside Blackwell notebook GPUs, possibly.

The latest rumor on the next-gen GPUs from Team Green comes from the Chinese tech site Benchlife (add seasoning), and follows the detailed spec spillage about the incoming desktop graphics cards from Kopite7kimi we saw yesterday.

Indeed, Benchlife doubles down on that previous leak, noting that they have received the same info aired by Kopite7kimi on X regarding the spec of the RTX 5090 and 5080 (including the latter getting just 16GB of video RAM).

We’re told that these GPUs will be officially revealed at CES 2025, and that at the same time, we could see Blackwell mobile GPUs to power up gaming laptops – but the site sounds more unsure about the latter.

We also get a clarification on another couple of points, namely that the RTX 5090 will use a 14-layer PCB (printed circuit board) and will leverage PCIe 5.0. Furthermore, Benchlife pours cold water on a previous rumor that the RTX 5090 will use two 12V-2×6 connectors – one is going to be standard on both the RTX 5090 and 5080, the site asserts.

(Image credit: Future) Analysis: Connector conundrums – and that RAM rumor

It’s good to hear that the 'double power connector as standard' rumor for the RTX 5090 is a false one – at least in theory. However, as Wccftech, which spotted the Benchlife article, elaborates, there may actually be premium Blackwell flagship graphics cards designed for overclocking enthusiasts that have two 12V-2×6 connectors. The point is that the vast majority of RTX 5090 models won’t, though.

As for the purported launch timeframe, the leaks are increasingly pointing to a CES 2025 debut, rather than a late 2024 reveal for the new Blackwell GPUs. All in all, we’re inclined to believe this is the case – as there’s hardly a rush for Nvidia to get the RTX 5090 and 5080 out. Team Green already owns the top-end of the graphics card market, and AMD isn’t even going to challenge in this space with RDNA 4, which will top out at mid-range (if the many rumors about this are right).

It's also not a surprise to launch somewhat later given that Nvidia would want to prioritize AI graphics cards – which make far more money than GeForce models – with the initial top-end Blackwell silicon rolling off the production lines.

While the RTX 5090 appears to be shaping up nicely – for those who want a ridiculously powerful GPU, albeit guzzling a ridiculous amount of power, possibly, and likely ridiculously expensive to boot – the revelation that the RTX 5080 only has 16GB of VRAM (if the spec leak is right) did not go down at all well.

There were cries aplenty of Nvidia ‘cheaping out’ on the video memory once more, as you might imagine – and given that the RTX 5080 is expected to be more powerful than the RTX 4090, it does feel like an underpowered VRAM configuration. (Particularly when on the other side of the GPU fence, AMD equips a current-gen mid-range graphics card, namely the 7800 XT, with 16GB).

There were hints that Nvidia’s looking at 16GB for the RTX 5080 going back quite some way, mind you, but we still can’t leap to conclusions yet (though currently, plenty of folks are bounding across conclusion chasm like there’s no tomorrow, it must be said).

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Hysteria! is the latest horror series hitting Peacock, and if you're a fan of Evil Dead you're going to love the homage the trailer pays to the beloved franchise. Speaking of, Sam Raimi has a new horror movie on Netflix, which we're all very excited about.

In our first look at the upcoming series, we found out that Ash Williams himself is involved, with horror icon Bruce Campbell playing a police officer in this small town. Now, the full trailer has dialed that up to 100 and there's plenty to get you hooked when the series debuts on October 18, just in time for Halloween!

Take a look at the exciting new trailer below to see what I mean.

What do we know about Hysteria so far?

The full Hysteria! trailer really gives us a taste of the Satanic Panic that the series centers around, where a group of high schoolers create a band to profit off the recent interest in the occult and supernatural. It's a genius idea really, until things start taking a much darker turn – as it happens, all those ghost stories weren't stories after all!

We've also got a first proper look at Bruce Campbell, who has previously been teased. You can see the Evil Dead references throughout, especially the quote “we got them from a public library, not a book bound in human flesh”. Not only does it go hard, it's also a fun nod to the Necronomicon Ex-Mortis seen in the horror franchise.

While there's plenty for horror nerds to geek out over, there is also lots of newcomers to enjoy too. Those who enjoy a good thrill will want to tune in when it arrives next month.

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A vulnerability in a piece of software could have allowed hackers to discover, unlock, and start any Kia vehicle built after 2013, experts have warned.

The news was broken by cybersecurity researcher and bug bounty hunter Sam Curry, previously known for finding similar flaws in 15 million Ferraris, BMWs, Porches, and other vehicles.

Curry found a way to grab tokens from the Kia website, which gave him access to a lot of things. After registering an account on the Kia dealership site and logging in, the site gave Curry a token that allowed him access to backend dealer APIs. There, with nothing more than license plate numbers, he is able to find the location of any Kia car built after 2013, unlock it, honk, start, or stop it completely.

Exposing private data

Furthermore, the token gives him access to plenty of sensitive customer information: full names, phone numbers, email addresses, and postal addresses. Curry was also able to add himself as a second user on any of the vehicles, without the first user knowing.

"The HTTP response contained the vehicle owner's name, phone number, and email address. We were able to authenticate into the dealer portal using our normal app credentials and the modified channel header," Curry said.

Soon after reporting his findings to the company, Kia patched the hole up: "These vulnerabilities have since been fixed, this tool was never released, and the Kia team has validated this was never exploited maliciously," Curry concluded.

Ever since software was introduced in personal cars, privacy became a major pain point. Most car makers, including Toyota, or Mercedes, have had data-related incidents in the past.

Via BleepingComputer

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When Apple announced new features for the AirPods Pro 2 at the company’s iPhone 16 event in September, the biggest reveal was their ability to work as a set of hearing aids. Now, it looks like Apple is going full throttle on transforming the AirPods into a handy health accessory.

That’s because a newly granted patent has revealed that Apple is working on enabling future AirPods devices to detect certain heart pathologies that you might be suffering from, including an abnormal heartbeat, bradycardia or tachycardia. This could perhaps work as a sort of ‘early warning system’ to alert you to heart issues that you might not be aware of. When armed with that knowledge, you could then visit a doctor for a proper diagnosis.

According to the patent, Apple is considering building small, sensitive microphones into the AirPods. The signal picked up by this microphone would be analyzed by the AirPods and used to determine your heart activity. If any of this activity appears to be unusual or problematic, you might receive an alert or notification about the problem. All this analysis would be carried out by some complex algorithms that may make use of machine learning to decide what exactly it is that the microphones have picked up.

(Image credit: TechRadar)

This system might not be limited to just one microphone. In one instance, the patent explains that a second microphone could be installed in the AirPods, with the signal picked up by this second mic compared to that detected by the first microphone and used to determine if you are experiencing unusual heart activity.

Rumors have been doing the rounds for a while now that Apple is planning on incorporating health features into its AirPods, including temperature sensing capabilities and ambient light sensors to pick up on your heart activity. This latest patent suggests the idea that Apple wants to boost the AirPods’ health chops is not entirely without foundation.

In recent years, Apple has been adding more and more health features to its devices. Aside from the recent transformation of the AirPods Pro into a set of hearing aids, the Apple Watch has undergone its own transition from a luxury timepiece (when it originally launched) to a health and fitness accessory that can do anything from sensing atrial fibrillation to tracking your workouts.

All that said, this is just a patent, so it could be that Apple is simply experimenting with different ideas and does not actually implement this concept in a set of AirPods. But at the very least it suggests that Apple is interested in this sort of technology, and in how it can add more health features into the AirPods. And we may well see this idea put into practice in a few years’ time – watch this space.

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It's been a great week for new acronyms in the world of hi-fi. First, Audeze introduced SLAM to electrostatic headphones; now KEF's bringing you MAT – no, this isn't WWE Smackdown, it's the gentle world of high fidelity, we promise.

The thing is, KEF has been toiling away on leveling-up the way we experience sound for over 60 years, releasing not only some of the best stereo speakers we've heard but also some the best wireless speakers we've ever tested (see our KEF LS50 Wireless II review for our favorite wire-free model), so when KEF unveils an eight-strong new Q Series, you should take a moment to learn about what the company's doing if you care about music.

This latest 12th-generation Q Series features Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), and KEF tells us it is pivotal to the new Q Series. What is it? MAT is a "highly complex maze-like structure, in which each of the intricate channels efficiently absorbs a specific frequency". When combined, these channels act as an "acoustic black hole, absorbing 99% of the unwanted sound" according to KEF.

In speakers, "unwanted sound" refers to the fact that a driver blasting sound out of the front generates a force backwards as well (AKA Newton's third law). Speakers are designed to absorb this force as much as possible, because it can create sound that interferes with what you're supposed to hear. This is a new approach to solving that problem.

MAT is found in all eight models in the new Q Series lineup, which is designed for both traditional stereo systems or multi-channel home theater. You'll also find the company's Uni-Q driver array throughout the series, although it has been redesigned to maximize the performance improvements that MAT delivers – chiefly with a re-engineered tweeter gap damper that strategically places two rings of porous material to tame any resonances and imperfections. The ultimate aim? A speaker that delivers more transparent and lifelike audio than ever before.

MAT matters

KEF Q Series Concerto Meta, in Walnut (Image credit: KEF)

There are eight distinct models in the Q Series range, so let's get to it. First up, two three-way floor-standing models (the Q11 Meta and Q7 Meta). Then, a selection of bookshelf speakers, including the three-way Q Concerto Meta (the first three-way bookshelf speaker in the Q Series and revival of the classic KEF Concerto 1969) plus the compact Q3 Meta and Q1 Meta models. There's also a Q4 Meta, the first on-wall speaker in the Q Series range, which can be used as an LCR (left, center, right) or surround speaker, for a home theater solution that won't take up any floor space. The new Q6 Meta can also be used in an LCR configuration, and finally the Q8 Meta can be placed upon another main speaker for Dolby Atmos height, bringing Dolby Atmos to your system with an integrated wall-mount feature.

Should you wish to dial up the bass for a fully immersive listening experience, KEF would likely direct you to pair the Q Series with its own KEF subwoofers for even more low-end clout.

The Q Series speakers are available in Satin Black, Satin White, and Walnut finishes with carefully selected color driver units. Dedicated grilles with magnetic fixings are included, providing the option to protect the drivers if children or pets are present.

Availability? Of course.

● Q Concerto Meta – Available now (from September 26), as part of myKEF’s member early access exclusive

● Q11 Meta, Q7 Meta, Q3 Meta, Q1 Meta, Q6 Meta, Q8 Meta – Available from October 10th

● Q4 Meta, SQ1 Floor stand, PQ1 Plinth Spike Kit – Available from winter The collection will range from $600-$2,200:

● Q1 Meta - $600 / £499 per pair

● Q3 Meta - $800 / £649 per pair

● Q Concerto Meta - $1,300 / £1,099 per pair

● Q6 Meta - $800 / £699 each

● Q7 Meta - $900 each / £1,399 (listed per pair in UK)

● Q11 Meta - $1100 each / £1,999 (listed per pair in UK)

● Q8 Meta - $800 / £599 per pair

● Q4 Meta - $500 / £349 each

Australian prices are not yet known, but taking these figures as a rough estimate, prices should start from around AU$679 for the Q4 Meta, up to AU$3,885 for a Q11 Meta pair.

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Graphic designers could soon become extinct thanks to the impact of artificial intelligence, new research has claimed.

Almost half (49%) of 400 graphic professionals surveyed across the UK, US, France and Germany by CHILI publish reported seeing the manual graphic production industry becoming obsolete within five years.

The study touched on the impact of AI on the graphic design process and experience, which has led to increased demand for personalization projects.

AI could replace graphic designers

Despite artificial intelligence’s promise of assisting and managing workloads, nearly half (48%) of the respondents said that new tools have paradoxically added to their obligations. Nearly one-third said that there’s no too much work to physically complete (29%) and that they lack time for creativity (28%). Moreover, digitization has led to growing demand for brand assets, adding to the influx of tasks.

Consequentially, two in five (39%) have taken time off work due to work-related stress, and the same percentage has considered changing jobs due to rising pressures.

Graphic designers are also proving to be unhappy with their existing workplaces, with around half reporting delayed product launches (52%) and falling victim to rising operational costs (49%).

Businesses are looking to overcome these challenges by hiring new talent (34%), upskilling existing teams (34%) and integrating AI on an ad-hoc basis (33%), however not all graphic designers feel threatened by artificial intelligence. More than half (56%) say that the technology still struggled with understanding generational differences in design.

“It’s evident that the industry is on the brink of a major change," noted CHILI publish’s CEO, Kevin Goeminne. "Skilled graphic designers will always be essential for generating creative ideas and concepts, but AI and automation can help manage growing workloads, improving efficiency and delivering high-quality results.”

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Full spoilers follow for John Wick 4.

John Wick is back! Well, sort of. You see, the first trailer for Ballerina, the next spin-off project set in the John Wick universe, will see Keanu Reeves' iconic hitman make a surprise return to the big screen.

Confused? Don't be. I'll explain more about how and why everyone's favorite gun-fu master will feature in the forthcoming Ana de Armas-led action film later. Hey, this isn't a movie centered on Wick himself, so why allow him to steal the spotlight in this article?

Anyway – yes, the first trailer for Ballerina: From the World of John Wick is here, and it looks every bit as thrilling, action-packed, and dramatically character-driven as the franchise's first four films. You can check out the inaugural teaser for one of next year's new movies – it's set to debut in theaters on June 6, 2025 – below:

I can't speak for everyone, but it looks very impressive from where I'm sitting. Indeed, I was quite disappointed that we didn't see more of de Armas taking names and kicking ass in 2021's No Time to Die, aka the final time Daniel Craig inhabited the role of legendary spy James Bond, or in The Gray Man on Netflix. I didn't watch the Cuban-Spanish actress beat up guys left, right, and center in Apple TV Plus' maligned Ghosted movie, either, because I heard it wasn't very good. So, I'm eager to see de Armas prove she's got the mettle to deliver the goods as the main attraction in an action flick.

But enough of my fawning – what's Ballerina about? Here's a brief plot synopsis, courtesy of a Lionsgate press release: "Taking place during the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, the film follows Eve Macarro (de Armas) who is beginning her training in the assassin traditions of the Ruska Roma."

Not a lot to go on, then, but the trailer suggests Macarro will embark on her own revenge-fuelled mission to track down those who murdered her family. She says as much in the movie's first teaser, so expect lots of bone-breaking, bullet-laced, and improvised action throughout.

How is John Wick alive in Ballerina?

Hello again, John (Image credit: Lionsgate)

Okay, so back to the question on everyone's lips: what's Wick doing in Ballerina? After all, the final moments of John Wick: Chapter 4 implied that the titular hitman died after his tear-jerking and suspense-filled duel with Donnie Yen's Caine.

The short answer is that Ballerina is a pre-sequel. As Lionsgate's story brief reveals, its narrative runs concurrent to the one depicted in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum. Obvious as it is to say, but Wick is still alive and kicking at this point on the John Wick timeline, which is why he's able to make a cameo appearance in the de Armas-fronted spin-off film.

Reeves' Wick isn't the only fan-favorite character we'll see again in Ballerina. The late Lance Reddick, who passed away in March 2023, will also make his final big-screen appearance as Charon, the concierge of the New York branch of global hitman safehouses known as collectively as The Continental. Ian McShane's Winstone, who manages The Continental New York, is also returning for this spin-off flick. Joining de Armas and the aforementioned trio in Ballerina are Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and Norman Reedus.

Ballerina is the first John Wick film offshoot we'll see, but it isn't the franchise's first spin-off. Indeed, that was The Continental, a three-part miniseries that debuted on Peacock (US) and Prime Video (internationally) in late 2023.

Unfortunately, The Continental: From the World of John Wick wasn't as great as I'd hoped. You can read more about why that's the case in my review of The Continental, or see how the prequel show tried to do something different by trading in John Wick's signature gun-fu for expressive "disco noir".

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